MQL5 Programming Articles
Study the MQL5 language for programming trading strategies in numerous published articles mostly written by you - the community members. The articles are grouped into categories to help you quicker find answers to any questions related to programming: Integration, Tester, Trading Strategies, etc.
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Developing a Replay System — Market simulation (Part 08): Locking the indicator
In this article, we will look at how to lock the indicator while simply using the MQL5 language, and we will do it in a very interesting and amazing way.
Data Science and Machine Learning (Part 16): A Refreshing Look at Decision Trees
Dive into the intricate world of decision trees in the latest installment of our Data Science and Machine Learning series. Tailored for traders seeking strategic insights, this article serves as a comprehensive recap, shedding light on the powerful role decision trees play in the analysis of market trends. Explore the roots and branches of these algorithmic trees, unlocking their potential to enhance your trading decisions. Join us for a refreshing perspective on decision trees and discover how they can be your allies in navigating the complexities of financial markets.
Multiple Symbol Analysis With Python And MQL5 (Part I): NASDAQ Integrated Circuit Makers
Join us as we discuss how you can use AI to optimize your position sizing and order quantities to maximize the returns of your portfolio. We will showcase how to algorithmically identify an optimal portfolio and tailor your portfolio to your returns expectations or risk tolerance levels. In this discussion, we will use the SciPy library and the MQL5 language to create an optimal and diversified portfolio using all the data we have.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 26): Moving Averages and the Hurst Exponent
The Hurst Exponent is a measure of how much a time series auto-correlates over the long term. It is understood to be capturing the long-term properties of a time series and therefore carries some weight in time series analysis even outside of economic/ financial time series. We however, focus on its potential benefit to traders by examining how this metric could be paired with moving averages to build a potentially robust signal.
Neural Networks in Trading: Node-Adaptive Graph Representation with NAFS
We invite you to get acquainted with the NAFS (Node-Adaptive Feature Smoothing) method, which is a non-parametric approach to creating node representations that does not require parameter training. NAFS extracts features of each node given its neighbors and then adaptively combines these features to form a final representation.
From Novice to Expert: Backend Operations Monitor using MQL5
Using a ready-made solution in trading without concerning yourself with the internal workings of the system may sound comforting, but this is not always the case for developers. Eventually, an upgrade, misperformance, or unexpected error will arise, and it becomes essential to trace exactly where the issue originates to diagnose and resolve it quickly. Today’s discussion focuses on uncovering what normally happens behind the scenes of a trading Expert Advisor, and on developing a custom dedicated class for displaying and logging backend processes using MQL5. This gives both developers and traders the ability to quickly locate errors, monitor behavior, and access diagnostic information specific to each EA.
Neural networks made easy (Part 74): Trajectory prediction with adaptation
This article introduces a fairly effective method of multi-agent trajectory forecasting, which is able to adapt to various environmental conditions.
Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 8): Multiple Strategy Analysis (2)
Join us for our follow-up discussion, where we will merge our first two trading strategies into an ensemble trading strategy. We shall demonstrate the different schemes possible for combining multiple strategies and also how to exercise control over the parameter space, to ensure that effective optimization remains possible even as our parameter size grows.
A Generic Optimization Formulation (GOF) to Implement Custom Max with Constraints
In this article we will present a way to implement optimization problems with multiple objectives and constraints when selecting "Custom Max" in the Setting tab of the MetaTrader 5 terminal. As an example, the optimization problem could be: Maximize Profit Factor, Net Profit, and Recovery Factor, such that the Draw Down is less than 10%, the number of consecutive losses is less than 5, and the number of trades per week is more than 5.
Trading with the MQL5 Economic Calendar (Part 8): Optimizing News-Driven Backtesting with Smart Event Filtering and Targeted Logs
In this article, we optimize our economic calendar with smart event filtering and targeted logging for faster, clearer backtesting in live and offline modes. We streamline event processing and focus logs on critical trade and dashboard events, enhancing strategy visualization. These improvements enable seamless testing and refinement of news-driven trading strategies.
Time Evolution Travel Algorithm (TETA)
This is my own algorithm. The article presents the Time Evolution Travel Algorithm (TETA) inspired by the concept of parallel universes and time streams. The basic idea of the algorithm is that, although time travel in the conventional sense is impossible, we can choose a sequence of events that lead to different realities.
From Matrices to Models: How to Build an ML Pipeline in MQL5 and Export It to ONNX
The article describes the arrangement of a coordinated ML pipeline in MetaTrader 5 with separation of roles: Python trains and exports the model to ONNX, MQL5 reproduces normalization and PCA via matrix/vector and performs inference. This approach makes the model's inputs stable and verifiable, and the MetaTrader 5 strategy tester provides metrics for analyzing the system behavior.
Population optimization algorithms: Differential Evolution (DE)
In this article, we will consider the algorithm that demonstrates the most controversial results of all those discussed previously - the differential evolution (DE) algorithm.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 24): Moving Averages
Moving Averages are a very common indicator that are used and understood by most Traders. We explore possible use cases that may not be so common within MQL5 Wizard assembled Expert Advisors.
Interview with Valery Mazurenko (ATC 2010)
By the end of the first trading week, Valery Mazurenrk (notused) with his multicurrency Expert Advisor ch2010 appeared on the top position. Having treated trading as a hobby, Valery is now trying to monetize this hobby and write a stable-operating Expert Advisor for real trading. In this interview he shares his opinion about the role of mathematics in trading and explains why object-oriented approach suits best to writing multicurrency EAs.
Neural Networks in Trading: Hybrid Graph Sequence Models (Final Part)
We continue exploring hybrid graph sequence models (GSM++), which integrate the advantages of different architectures, providing high analysis accuracy and efficient distribution of computing resources. These models effectively identify hidden patterns, reducing the impact of market noise and improving forecasting quality.
GUI: Tips and Tricks for creating your own Graphic Library in MQL
We'll go through the basics of GUI libraries so that you can understand how they work or even start making your own.
Propensity score in causal inference
The article examines the topic of matching in causal inference. Matching is used to compare similar observations in a data set. This is necessary to correctly determine causal effects and get rid of bias. The author explains how this helps in building trading systems based on machine learning, which become more stable on new data they were not trained on. The propensity score plays a central role and is widely used in causal inference.
Sigma Score Indicator for MetaTrader 5: A Simple Statistical Anomaly Detector
Build a practical MetaTrader 5 “Sigma Score” indicator from scratch and learn what it really measures: The z-score of log returns (how many standard deviations the latest move is from the recent average). The article walks through every code block in OnInit(), OnCalculate(), and OnDeinit(), then shows how to interpret thresholds (e.g., ±2) and apply the Sigma Score as a simple “market stress meter” for mean-reversion and momentum trading.
Building a Volume Bubble Indicator in MQL5 Using Standard Deviation
The article demonstrates how to build a Volume Bubble Indicator in MQL5 that visualizes market activity using statistical normalization. It covers how to work with tick and real volume, compute the mean and standard deviation over a rolling window, and normalize volume values to identify relative strength. You will implement chart objects to display bubbles with dynamic size and color, providing a clear representation of volume intensity directly on the chart.
Alternative risk return metrics in MQL5
In this article we present the implementation of several risk return metrics billed as alternatives to the Sharpe ratio and examine hypothetical equity curves to analyze their characteristics.
Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 20): Putting in order the conveyor of automatic project optimization stages (I)
We have already created quite a few components that help arrange auto optimization. During the creation, we followed the traditional cyclical structure: from creating minimal working code to refactoring and obtaining improved code. It is time to start clearing up our database, which is also a key component in the system we are creating.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 22): Building an Expert Advisor for the 5-0 Harmonic Pattern
This article explains how to detect and trade the 5-0 harmonic pattern in MQL5, validate it using Fibonacci levels, and display it on the chart.
MetaTrader 5 Machine Learning Blueprint (Part 15): How to Calibrate Profit-Taking and Stop-Loss Targets from Synthetic Data
This article applies the Optimal Trading Rule from AFML Chapter 13 to set profit targets and stop-losses without in-sample calibration. We model post-entry P&L with a discrete Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process, run a 100,000-path search, and implement Python, multiprocessing, and a Numba @njit parallel kernel (242× faster). The result is an optimal (PT, SL) under three forecast specifications, constrained by the prop-firm daily loss limit.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 49): Reinforcement Learning with Proximal Policy Optimization
Proximal Policy Optimization is another algorithm in reinforcement learning that updates the policy, often in network form, in very small incremental steps to ensure the model stability. We examine how this could be of use, as we have with previous articles, in a wizard assembled Expert Advisor.
Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part X): Can AI Power The MACD?
Join us as we empirically analyzed the MACD indicator, to test if applying AI to a strategy, including the indicator, would yield any improvements in our accuracy on forecasting the EURUSD. We simultaneously assessed if the indicator itself is easier to predict than price, as well as if the indicator's value is predictive of future price levels. We will furnish you with the information you need to decide whether you should consider investing your time into integrating the MACD in your AI trading strategies.
Data Science and ML (Part 43): Hidden Patterns Detection in Indicators Data Using Latent Gaussian Mixture Models (LGMM)
Have you ever looked at the chart and felt that strange sensation… that there’s a pattern hidden just beneath the surface? A secret code that might reveal where prices are headed if only you could crack it? Meet LGMM, the Market’s Hidden Pattern Detector. A machine learning model that helps identify those hidden patterns in the market.
Codex Pipelines, from Python to MQL5, for Indicator Selection: A Multi-Quarter Analysis of the XLF ETF with Machine Learning
We continue our look at how the selection of indicators can be pipelined when facing a ‘none-typical’ MetaTrader asset. MetaTrader 5 is primarily used to trade forex, and that is good given the liquidity on offer, however the case for trading outside of this ‘comfort-zone’, is growing bolder with not just the overnight rise of platforms like Robinhood, but also the relentless pursuit of an edge for most traders. We consider the XLF ETF for this article and also cap our revamped pipeline with a simple MLP.
Developing a multi-currency Expert Advisor (Part 18): Automating group selection considering forward period
Let's continue to automate the steps we previously performed manually. This time we will return to the automation of the second stage, that is, the selection of the optimal group of single instances of trading strategies, supplementing it with the ability to take into account the results of instances in the forward period.
How can century-old functions update your trading strategies?
This article considers the Rademacher and Walsh functions. We will explore ways to apply these functions to financial time series analysis and also consider various applications for them in trading.
Neural networks made easy (Part 71): Goal-Conditioned Predictive Coding (GCPC)
In previous articles, we discussed the Decision Transformer method and several algorithms derived from it. We experimented with different goal setting methods. During the experiments, we worked with various ways of setting goals. However, the model's study of the earlier passed trajectory always remained outside our attention. In this article. I want to introduce you to a method that fills this gap.
Python-MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester (Part 03): MetaTrader 5-Like Trading Operations — Handling and Managing
In this article we introduce Python-MetaTrader5-like ways of handling trading operations such as opening, closing, and modifying orders in the simulator. To ensure the simulation behaves like MetaTrader 5, a strict validation layer for trade requests is implemented, taking into account symbol trading parameters and typical brokerage restrictions.
Triangular and Sawtooth Waves: Analytical Tools for Traders
Wave analysis is one of the methods used in technical analysis. This article focuses on two less conventional wave patterns: triangular and sawtooth waves. These formations underpin a number of technical indicators designed for market price analysis.
MQL5 Trading Tools (Part 9): Developing a First Run User Setup Wizard for Expert Advisors with Scrollable Guide
In this article, we develop an MQL5 First Run User Setup Wizard for Expert Advisors, featuring a scrollable guide with an interactive dashboard, dynamic text formatting, and visual controls like buttons and a checkbox allowing users to navigate instructions and configure trading parameters efficiently. Users of the program get to have insight of what the program is all about and what to do on the first run, more like an orientation model.
Integrate Your Own LLM into EA (Part 5): Develop and Test Trading Strategy with LLMs (II)-LoRA-Tuning
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence today, language models (LLMs) are an important part of artificial intelligence, so we should think about how to integrate powerful LLMs into our algorithmic trading. For most people, it is difficult to fine-tune these powerful models according to their needs, deploy them locally, and then apply them to algorithmic trading. This series of articles will take a step-by-step approach to achieve this goal.
MQL5 Wizard Techniques you should know (Part 43): Reinforcement Learning with SARSA
SARSA, which is an abbreviation for State-Action-Reward-State-Action is another algorithm that can be used when implementing reinforcement learning. So, as we saw with Q-Learning and DQN, we look into how this could be explored and implemented as an independent model rather than just a training mechanism, in wizard assembled Expert Advisors.
From "Best Pass" to Robust Solutions: Exploring the Optimization Surface in MetaTrader 5
The article examines an engineering approach to optimizing an Expert Advisor in MetaTrader 5: from collecting custom metrics through Optimization Frames to parameter surface analysis. A simple event-driven EMA/RSI model demonstrates CSV export, smoothing, and local stability assessment in Python. The goal is to find stable areas of configurations and validate them with forward optimization for reliable implementation.
Creating Custom Indicators in MQL5 (Part 3): Multi-Gauge Enhancements with Sector and Round Styles
In this article, we enhance the gauge-based indicator in MQL5 to support multiple oscillators, allowing user selection through an enumeration for single or combined displays. We introduce sector and round gauge styles via derived classes from a base gauge framework, improving case rendering with arcs, lines, and polygons for a more refined visual appearance.
Combinatorially Symmetric Cross Validation In MQL5
In this article we present the implementation of Combinatorially Symmetric Cross Validation in pure MQL5, to measure the degree to which a overfitting may occure after optimizing a strategy using the slow complete algorithm of the Strategy Tester.
Neural Networks Made Easy (Part 83): The "Conformer" Spatio-Temporal Continuous Attention Transformer Algorithm
This article introduces the Conformer algorithm originally developed for the purpose of weather forecasting, which in terms of variability and capriciousness can be compared to financial markets. Conformer is a complex method. It combines the advantages of attention models and ordinary differential equations.